Creating Trust In Your Workforce Evolving Your Workplace podcast

28:22

Wondering how the Internet of Things (IoT) is quietly revolutionizing office spaces and boosting employee productivity? This one is for you. In this episode, host Carol Schultz sits down with IoT expert Fabio Zaniboni to unpack how smart technology is transforming everything from lighting and air quality to sound environments in the workplace. He explains the basics of IoT—embedding intelligence into everyday devices to collect data and enhance building performance. The conversation digs into concerns about electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) and how Fabio’s technology addresses these with extremely low power usage, much less than standard Wi-Fi routers. Fabio also shares real-world insights—from increasing ROI and employee wellness, to the hidden impacts of lighting and air, and what leaders need to know before making their next office upgrade. Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and Instagram . Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
Why Top Performers Quit & What They’ll Never Tell You 22:09

8 days ago22:09

22:09

This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours," features hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer taking on the pressing topic of why top performers quit. Not only that, the two discuss what is often left unsaid in exit interviews. The two reflect on their own experiences and break down how common it is for high performers to leave without ever opening up about the real reasons. This especially happens if a company lacks a true culture of feedback. The longtime hosts emphasize that truly honest feedback cultures are hard to find. But without them, leaders don’t fully understand what makes their best performers leave. The conversation dives into many of the major reasons that drive high performers away, such as declining product or lack of product innovation, poor management, lack of attention to customer needs, frequent changes to compensation or quotas, and limited career growth opportunities. Carol and Rob reflect on their time in the sales world to illustrate the significant cost (both financial and cultural) when top talent leaves an organization. The two conclude that many of these problems could be avoided if companies truly aligned incentives and roles to individuals' ambitions, listened to their employees and customers, and encouraged open lines of communication. Rob and Carol also point out the distinction between "high potentials" and "high performers," highlighting that excelling in a current role doesn’t mean someone is immediately ready for more responsibility. The hosts wrap up Rob’s final episode with the show by reminding the audience that fostering feedback, alignment, and challenge is key to keeping the best people engaged. The longtime friends end on a reflective note, expressing gratitude for their partnership and urging listeners to build workplaces where honesty drives employee retention and overall success. Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and Instagram . Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

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Getting Funded 39:24

15 days ago39:24

39:24

If you’re curious about the process of venture capital (VC) funding or looking to get funding, this episode is for you. Host Carol Schultz sits down with Seth Levine of the prestigious VC firm Foundry. Whether you're an eager founder, a startup dreamer, or just VC-curious, Seth cuts through the noise, sharing hard-won insights on when to actually seek funding, why VC money might not be as glamorous as you think, how to successfully pitch investors, and what sets standout founders apart. Carol and Seth also dig into the toughest founder challenges, from when to bootstrap versus raise capital, to smart hiring as you grow. Packed with practical advice, stories from the trenches, and candid wisdom about navigating the funding world, this episode will help you avoid the common pitfalls and make smarter choices for your company’s future. Tune in for a straight-talking look inside the journey to funding a business. Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and Instagram . Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
Leading Through Organizational Change 23:04

22 days ago23:04

23:04

This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace: After Hours" features hosts Rob Swymer and Carol Schultz discussing best practices and challenges involved with leading through organizational changes. The conversation gets rolling with a discussion on how constant transformation is a usual part of life in the modern business world, such as when you must adjust to new leadership. Rob emphasizes that consistent communication is needed from leaders as he opens up about his personal experience merging vastly different company cultures. As the conversation continues, Carol highlights the importance of teaching adaptability and resilience to employees, especially if uncertainty is felt after events like acquisitions or layoffs. Rob urges leaders, and companies as a whole, to clarify what resilience means for their teams and to model their preferred behaviors. Both hosts advocate for collaboration and vulnerability in difficult times. Ultimately, both hosts agree that there are three essential factors in effective change leadership: trust, communication, and alignment. The two also share stories about the necessity of personal responsibility in leadership as well as issues with promoting leaders that haven’t received proper training. The episode closes with a reminder that having a growth mindset and embracing transformation can help teams and leaders not just survive, but thrive. Connect With Us Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and Instagram . Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer , Linkedin , Facebook , and Instagram . And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
“The Wild Wild West” of AI Adoption 30:02

29 days ago30:02

30:02

If you’re planning to integrate AI into your company’s workflow or have done so already, this one is for you. In this episode, AI expert Aydin Mirzaee sits down with Carol to share a candid look at how AI is reshaping workplace productivity—and why leaders need to rethink their entire approach to technology. From the security risks hiding in everyday tools, to how teams resist (or embrace) AI, Aydin offers real stories and actionable strategies for every organization navigating the new AI frontier. Tune in to hear the surprising ways companies succeed—or stumble—when adopting AI, and find out what you should be doing now to protect your workplace and unlock its full potential. Connect With Host Carol Schultz Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and Instagram . Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
Balancing Performance Metrics With Humanity In The Modern Workplace 22:43

5 weeks ago22:43

22:43

This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours" features co-hosts Rob Swymer and Carol Schultz looking at the challenges leaders face in the business world along with the complexities of performance management. The conversation starts with a discussion on the importance of human connection before shifting to the convoluted performance ranking systems at major tech companies like Microsoft and Meta. In the conversation, Rob reflects on his own experiences with layoffs and performance reviews while emphasizing the intellectual and emotional toll it takes on leaders. The show’s co-hosts also cover the controversial management practices at companies like GE, with Carol critiquing Jack Welch's old GE ranking system and its modern implementation at Microsoft. After all, this type of system can create unnecessary competition along with a toxic work environment. With this in mind, Rob puts an emphasis on the need to avoid mishandling performance evaluations by improving training and coaching for leaders. In a more emotional moment of the episode, Carol and Rob recount the heartbreaking story of an employee who was laid off and left without health insurance while his wife struggled with an illness. The two reflect on the fact that the business world is inherently human and needs to be guided by principles of servant leadership and conscious capitalism. As the episode concludes, the co-hosts agree that although the pressures of a publicly traded company can be massive, there’s always room for improvement with a human-centered approach to business. Connect With Us Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer , Linkedin , Facebook , and Instagram . Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and Instagram .…

Evolving Your Workplace

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What is a public benefit corp., and should my company be one? 20:17

6 weeks ago20:17

20:17

If you want to learn more about public benefit corporations (PBCs) and the benefits of becoming one, this episode is for you! Host Carol Schultz dives into the intriguing world of PBCs with expert Marion Siboni, founder and CEO of La Creme de la Stem. Marion tells listeners why she chose to structure her company as PBC and how it integrates social goals into a traditional business model. Learn about the distinct advantages of this corporate structure over the typical C Corp and LLC, and why it might be the perfect choice for organizations with a mission-driven heart. Whether you're an entrepreneur grappling with corporate structure decisions or curious about how businesses can serve the greater good while turning a profit, this episode offers valuable insights and solutions. Connect with Us Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and Instagram . Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
In-office, hybrid, or remote— what’s the best environment? 25:30

7 weeks ago25:30

25:30

This episode of “Evolving Your Workplace After Hours” features hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer analyzing the complexities of workplace models and leadership. They discuss a recent report that highlights how there's no perfect working model be it fully in-office, remote, or hybrid setups. The conversation emphasizes organizational health and the fact that leaders must focus on a purpose-driven work environment while providing mentorship and skills development. Rob puts his focus on the human aspect of business and brings up how the pandemic has ingrained a sense of comfort in remote working which has possibly affected human connection. He says we’re experiencing a "mental health pandemic" that necessitates a different leadership style, centered on human connection and genuine purpose. Rob compares the concept of catering to individual employee needs to parenting different children according to their unique needs and strengths. This episode of the podcast critiques the one-size-fits-all mandates from companies like JP Morgan Chase and Amazon, instead suggesting that successful leadership and workplace satisfaction stem from a shared purpose and personal connections. Both hosts call attention to the importance of honest communication and organizational alignment. They argue that this focus will cultivate a positive work culture that inspires and engages employees, ending the debate over physical versus remote workplaces. Connect with us Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and YouTube . Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer , Linkedin , Facebook , and Instagram .…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
Creating trust in your workforce 28:42

8 weeks ago28:42

28:42

For those seeking tools to establish a culture of trust and security in your workplace— this one is for you! In this episode, host Carol Schultz dives into the topic with expert David Alsup, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ultradent Products. David shares his approach to fostering a trusting environment. He emphasizes the importance of hiring the right personnel, managing performance, and ensuring transparent communication. Carol stresses the importance of measuring competencies to avoid bad hires. Tune in to explore how safety and performance can drive innovation and long-term success in your organization. Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and YouTube . Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
The Importance of Consistent Meetings 17:37

9 weeks ago17:37

17:37

In this episode of After Hours, Carol Schultz and her co-host Rob Swymer focus on the importance of intentional communication and consistent meetings. Carol brings up an interesting article she came across about a manager implementing three essential weekly meetings after transitioning to a remote workplace. Meanwhile, Rob echoes the importance of intentionality, feedback, and consistency in ensuring a thriving remote work environment. Drawing from his own personal experience during the pandemic, Rob highlights the importance of staying connected with teams through regular meetings, even in a virtual environment. The discussion highlights the need to ensure personal connections and welcome feedback from all levels of the organization for continuous improvement and growth. Plus, Rob and Carol stress the importance of in-person connections that have been overshadowed by technology and virtual meetings. While they admit technology can be extremely convenient, they caution against over-reliance on virtual interactions. The two co-hosts spotlight the need for balance between virtual convenience and personal face-to-face interactions in order to foster a robust company culture. Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and YouTube . Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer , Linkedin , Facebook , and Instagram .…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
Cold Emailing Mistakes and Myths 21:55

10 weeks ago21:55

21:55

For those wanting to master the art of email marketing, this one is for you. Host Carol Schultz calls on expert Jovan Shojlevski to answer your most common questions when it comes to sending cold emails. They dive into common mistakes companies make, such as sending bulk emails from a single domain. He shares how to make messages feel more personalized and relevant, highlighting the importance of targeting the right audience. Through their discussion, they explore best practices in crafting effective subject lines and how to approach finding a legitimate lead generation service. This episode is a must-listen for founders and small business owners—both B2B and B2C-- looking to refine their outreach strategies. Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and YouTube . Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
Workplace Etiquette When Returning to Office 18:02

11 weeks ago18:02

18:02

This episode of "Evolving Your Workplace After Hours" features host Carol Schultz and her cohost Rob Swymer discussing workplace etiquette as employees return to the office post-COVID. The conversation focuses on the importance of understanding office behavior, from maintaining professional interactions to dressing appropriately and managing personal calls. Throughout the podcast, Rob and Carol emphasize the role of leadership in facilitating a smooth transition back to the office. Both hosts encourage leaders to engage in conversations about expectations and office etiquette and work on additional guidance and training. The two believe that empathy and understanding are vital in navigating these changes considering mental health issues and other problems faced by modern employees. The episode also addresses the need for grace and professionalism in all workplace interactions. Carol shares insights on maintaining professional relationships and advises caution about personal disclosures at work considering the risk of gossip. The episode concludes with a reminder to build trust and create a supportive, inclusive workplace culture. Connect With Us Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and YouTube . Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer , Linkedin , Facebook , and Instagram . And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
Who is the Most Important Person in Your Company? 31:38

12 weeks ago31:38

31:38

Who is the most important person in your company? The CEO, CFO, CTO...? That’s what we are discussing today. Whether you're a new founder or seasoned executive, this episode is packed with insights to help you lead effectively. Host Carol Schultz dives into a conversation with leadership expert and CEO, Matt DeWolf, exploring the crucial question: “Who is the most important person in a company?” Matt shares his philosophy on market focus and customer-centricity. Together, they tackle shifting workplace dynamics, balancing leadership and management cultures, and why aligning your organization from top to bottom is the key to unlocking growth and success. They also reflect on lessons learned through adversity and how commitment and persistence shape lasting impact in both leadership and business. Connect with us Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and YouTube . Want to be our next guest expert? Email cat.gloria@verticalelevation.com with your information. And of course, click "follow" to stay up-to-date on new episodes and leave an honest review/rating letting us know what you thought!…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
The Great Detachment and Creating an Engaged Culture 21:01

13 weeks ago21:01

21:01

Hosts Carol Schultz and Rob Swymer take a look at a new Gallup study in this episode of Evolving Your Workplace: After Hours. The two look at some troubling statistics, such as the approximately 51% of Americans currently looking for new jobs. Challenges with hybrid and remote work, ineffective management strategies, and changing expectations from customers are just a few of the issues brought up. The discussion features some perspective from Rob’s time leading a remote team during the pandemic. He believes that simple strategies such as virtual coffee meetings and consistent gratitude exercises can make all the difference. Carol also highlights some kind words from her chief of staff and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability in a management position. One of the main highlights of the episode is the overall emphasis on creating an engaged culture, communicating with employees, and improving leadership plans. The hosts emphasize that companies need to be more personable with employees in order to succeed. Connect with us Find more information about our host Carol Schultz and her company at Vertical Elevation , LinkedIn , and YouTube . Find more information about our cohost Rob Swymer and his company at Rob Swymer , Linkedin , Facebook , and Instagram .…

Evolving Your Workplace

1
Why DEI is so crucial for your company 36:33

14 weeks ago36:33